Major SNL 51 Cast Member Shakeups & Reactions, Explained

The Major SNL Cast Member Shakeups & Reactions Explained

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re taking a deep dive into the major cast overhaul at “SNL” ahead of its 51st season – breaking down the shocking departures, new hires and the public’s reaction to it all.

The Biggest Cast Shakeups in “SNL” History

Following its momentous 50th season, many expected “SNL” to undergo a major revamp. The biggest question was whether longtime producer Lorne Michaels would name a successor and step aside. When it became clear he wasn’t leaving just yet, Michaels instead hinted at significant cast changes going into the 51st season. So far, the overhaul has indeed been significant, although this is not exactly unprecedented in the show’s long history. The most dramatic reshuffling came between 1984 and 1986, when Dick Ebersol’s era ended and Michaels returned after a five-year hiatus. Similar shifts occurred in 1995, 2013, and again in 2022. Each of these transitions ushered in a slightly different era of “SNL,” shaped by the strengths, and sometimes weaknesses, of its new performers and writers.

Ego Nwodim

Just weeks before the 51st season was set to begin, news broke that Ego Nwodim would be leaving the show. Having spent seven seasons turning in incredible performances week after week, Nwodim chose to bow out, sharing on Instagram that she was “immensely grateful to Lorne.” Hardly anyone expected this announcement, especially since the cast had already been confirmed and Nwodim was gaining mainstream recognition for her work. She was not only excellent with impressions, but also achieved viral fame with original characters like Lisa from Temecula and Miss Eggy.

Devon Walker

The first major departure came in late August 2025, when comedian Devon Walker announced on social media that he was leaving the show. Walker had joined in 2022 as a featured player, bringing with him stand-up comedy experience and writing credits on shows like “Big Mouth.” Like many newcomers, he initially struggled to find his footing, but he grew more confident over time, especially with impressions of figures like Eric Adams and Shannon Sharpe. In his farewell post, Walker expressed mixed feelings about working on “SNL,” even describing the environment as “toxic as hell.” He later clarified that his criticism was aimed at the show’s practice of waiting till late summer to confirm contracts, a process that left cast members’ lives hanging in the balance.

Emil Wakim

Two days after Walker’s announcement, featured player Emil Wakim revealed on social media that he was also leaving the show. Wakim, who had spent only one season as a cast member, described the news of his firing as a “gut punch,” but nonetheless expressed gratitude for the little time he spent working there. This decision came as a shock to many fans, particularly since Wakim had a good first season, especially in his “Weekend Update” appearances, and showed potential to get even better if given the chance to grow. Even more, as the show’s first cast member of Lebanese heritage, he offered a fresh perspective on the Middle Eastern experience in America.

Michael Longfellow

One of the more surprising announcements in the cast shakeup was the news that Michael Longfellow had also been let go. The stand-up comic joined the show in 2022 and quickly won attention for his sharp “Weekend Update” appearances, where he delivered topical commentary as a sardonic version of himself. Longfellow became such a fixture on “Weekend Update” that it was rumored that he had been screen-tested as a potential anchor replacement for either Colin Jost or Michael Che, or both. However, Longfellow shared on his social media that he would not be returning for a fourth season, and even reportedly added that he had never been considered for the “Weekend Update” desk.

Heidi Gardner

One of the final departures announced was that of Heidi Gardner, the longest-tenured female cast member at the time. Gardner had already spent eight seasons on the show, but the news of her exit still came as a blow to many fans. After joining in 2017, Gardner found her rhythm almost immediately. She established herself as a versatile utility player, both in sketches and on “Weekend Update,” where she debuted several memorable original characters. She also built a reputation for never breaking, which is why it became such major news when she slipped in the “Beavis and Butt-head” sketch. Even while on the show, Gardner was already landing roles on series like “Veep” and “Shrinking,” so we’re all confident she’ll go on to do incredible things.

Please Don't Destroy & Writers

Also included on the chopping block was Please Don’t Destroy, the comedy trio who joined in 2021 to create digital shorts. Consisting of Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, the group had a strong start with their hilarious videos often featuring the guest hosts. These shorts drew millions of views online and typically leaned into self-deprecating humor, most notably in “Three Sad Virgins.” However, in September 2025, it was announced that at least on “SNL,” Please Don’t Destroy would be… well, destroyed, as they would no longer produce videos for the show. Higgins would leave completely, while Herlihy would remain as a writer and Marshall would join the cast. The shakeup also included the exit of writers Rosebud Baker and Celeste Yim, the show’s first openly non-binary writer.

Cast Members’ Reactions

The news of the major departures not only shocked fans, but also former cast members, and those fortunate enough to keep their jobs. Punkie Johnson, who had left after Season 49, expressed everything from shock to confusion, but also offered words of comfort. She encouraged Emil Wakim to “keep [his] head up,” calling his sudden exit “a shocker to us all.” Cast members who remained on the show like Chloe Fineman and Marcello Hernández, also shared their support. Fineman praised Wakim as “such a star” and the “best dressed man at table read” while Hernández paid tribute to Longfellow, affectionately referring to him as his “roommate.” Even veteran alum Molly Shannon chimed in, celebrating Longfellow’s “excellent run” and wishing him continued success.

After the departures were announced, then came the new additions.

Ben Marshall

Among the new cast members, Ben Marshall is the only one who isn’t entirely new. As mentioned earlier, he first joined “SNL” in 2021, as part of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy. Beyond his work on the show, Marshall has dabbled in acting, with appearances in series like “Poker Face.” He also starred in Please Don’t Destroy’s 2023 feature film “The Treasure of Foggy Mountain,” which he co-wrote with his fellow group members.

Veronika Slowikowska

Canadian actor and comedian Veronika Slowikowska gained attention with her hilarious internet sketches on Instagram and TikTok, where she has built a following of nearly two million fans. But Slowikowska has also had a lot of experience on professional sets. She appeared in FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows” and had a recurring role in the second season of the Netflix series “Tires,” created by the infamously fired “SNL” cast member Shane Gillis. Coming in with a strong background in improv, Slowikowska will certainly be a natural fit for the show.

Tommy Brennan

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, this comedian began performing stand-up full-time in 2023, the same year he was named “New Face of Comedy” at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal. In June 2025, he made his stand-up debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” a performance that likely caught the attention of “SNL” producers and earned him a spot on the cast. While stand-up has been his main focus, Brennan also has improv roots, having trained at The Second City in Chicago before fully committing to stand-up. He also co-hosts the podcast and web series “Roommates-In-Law.”

Jeremy Culhane

Fans of the online comedy platform Dropout will certainly recognize Jeremy Culhane. The comedian has made numerous appearances on the service over the years, most notably in the improv hit shows “Game Changer” and “Make Some Noise.” Beyond Dropout programming, Culhane also boasts sketch comedy experience, with a series of skits posted on his social media. In addition to that, he has also appeared in TV shows like “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and “American Vandal.” With such a solid foundation in both improv and sketch comedy, many expect that Culhane will translate his skills seamlessly to the “SNL” stage.

Kam Patterson

Of the newly announced cast members, Kam Patterson is perhaps the most unconventional choice. The stand-up comedian first gained attention on the live comedy show “Kill Tony,” where he quickly became a regular presence. Known for his edgy, unapologetic style, Patterson leans towards a conservative perspective, even crediting Trump’s 2024 assassination attempt with shifting him from a non-voter to a Trump supporter. His hiring appears to be Lorne Michaels’ latest attempt to appeal to conservative viewers, a move he previously tried with Shane Gillis in 2019, although Gillis was almost immediately fired. Still, Patterson’s run on “SNL” will introduce him to a much broader audience and boost his profile considerably.

Which cast member are you most sad to see go? And which of the new hires are you excited for? Share your thoughts in the comments below.